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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 2:41:11 PM

Renter's credit: Does is still count if I split rent with my family on the house that we are renting from our landlord?

I pay (so do my siblings) $400 a month that goes toward our rent.

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:16 PM

It depends.  The following is taken directly from California's webpage:  https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/ivr/203.shtml

Nonrefundable Renter's Credit

Español

If you pay rent and have a personal income tax liability, you may be able to use the Nonrefundable Renter's Credit to reduce your tax.

Qualifications

You must meet all of the following to qualify:

  1. You were a California resident for the entire year.
  2. Your California adjusted gross income (AGI) is:
    • $39,062 or less if your filing status is single or married/RDP filing separately.
    • $78,125 or less if you are married/RDP filing jointly, head of household, or qualified widow(er).
  3. You paid rent for at least half the year for property in California that was your principal residence.
  4. The property you rented was not exempt from California property tax.
  5. You did not live with another person for more than half the year (such as a parent) who claimed you as a dependent.
  6. You were not a minor living with and under the care of a parent, foster parent, or legal guardian.
  7. You or your spouse/RDP was not granted a homeowner's property tax exemption during the tax year.
    • You may still qualify for the credit if your spouse/RDP claimed a homeowner's exemption and you maintained a separate residence for the entire year.
Credit amount
  • $60 for single or married/RDP filing separately
  • $120 for head of household, widow(er), married/RDP  filing jointly

Points 3, 4, 5, and 6 have exclusions that may not allow someone to claim the credit.  However, you do not seem to be prevented from claiming this credit based on the information you have provided.

5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:14 PM

What is your state?

New Member
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:15 PM

California

Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:16 PM

It depends.  The following is taken directly from California's webpage:  https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/ivr/203.shtml

Nonrefundable Renter's Credit

Español

If you pay rent and have a personal income tax liability, you may be able to use the Nonrefundable Renter's Credit to reduce your tax.

Qualifications

You must meet all of the following to qualify:

  1. You were a California resident for the entire year.
  2. Your California adjusted gross income (AGI) is:
    • $39,062 or less if your filing status is single or married/RDP filing separately.
    • $78,125 or less if you are married/RDP filing jointly, head of household, or qualified widow(er).
  3. You paid rent for at least half the year for property in California that was your principal residence.
  4. The property you rented was not exempt from California property tax.
  5. You did not live with another person for more than half the year (such as a parent) who claimed you as a dependent.
  6. You were not a minor living with and under the care of a parent, foster parent, or legal guardian.
  7. You or your spouse/RDP was not granted a homeowner's property tax exemption during the tax year.
    • You may still qualify for the credit if your spouse/RDP claimed a homeowner's exemption and you maintained a separate residence for the entire year.
Credit amount
  • $60 for single or married/RDP filing separately
  • $120 for head of household, widow(er), married/RDP  filing jointly

Points 3, 4, 5, and 6 have exclusions that may not allow someone to claim the credit.  However, you do not seem to be prevented from claiming this credit based on the information you have provided.

New Member
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:18 PM

Oh, thank you, thank you for your help! This really cleared up things:) Thanks again!

Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 2:41:19 PM

Always glad to assist.